Case studies
Teaching cases offers students the opportunity to explore real world challenges in the classroom environment, allowing them to test their assumptions and decision-making skills before taking their knowledge into the workplace.
Applicable to both undergraduate and graduate courses in managing technology or sustainability.
Abstract
Study level/applicability
Applicable to both undergraduate and graduate courses in managing technology or sustainability.
Subject area
Technology strategy.
Business Model evaluation.
Sustainable technologies.
Case overview
In this case study, gas and electric utility holding company Southern Company has embarked on an ambitious experiment to learn more about energy usage at a household level, as well as community scale microgrids. Every minute, 62 homes in Reynolds Landing upload appliance and electrical outlet level data to Southern Company. How can Southern Company use this vast amount of data to promote energy efficiency? Are microgrids a key to creating a more sustainable and resilient energy future? At a higher level, how can microgrids impact or change traditional power generation business models like those used by Southern Company?
Expected learning outcomes
1. To explore why companies develop technologies that are counter to current business models.
2. To understand how new technology can lead to new business models for existing businesses.
3. To understand the drivers of company led R&D.
4. To discuss “technology push” applications. Where technology is developed and then a market or markets are sought.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Social implications
Two parts here. The first is looking at sustainable energy solutions such as solar farms and micro-grids. The second is this case challenges students to ask how this research helps the 45% of consumers making less than $40,000/yr.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
Details
Keywords
Alexandra Spiliakos and Shubhalaxmi Taywade
This case study is intended for an MBA level audience; however, it can be used for upper-level college students as well.
Abstract
Study Level/Applicability
This case study is intended for an MBA level audience; however, it can be used for upper-level college students as well.
Subject Area
This case's main subject areas include the following: organizational strategy, NGO strategic management, strategy and management during pandemic and women entrepreneurs or women-led business.
Case Overview
This case is about the organizational strategy of the Veronica Robles Cultural Center, an NGO, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The central challenge of this case study is about decision-making for a sustainable future, given limited resources, and thus a great urgency to plan conservatively. The central protagonist of the case is Veronica Robles herself. Veronica is an entrepreneur in both her personal career as a performing and teaching artist as well as the founder and creator of many programs to help spread culture and unite communities, including the Veronica Robles Cultural Center.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will learn about entrepreneurial strategy, NGO creation and management, strategy to create social value and organizational management during time of pandemic or widespread crisis.
Social Implications
This case is focused on creating social value through the analysis of a woman-founded and managed NGO. While managing the NGO's strategy through the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, operations must proceed with the utmost level of sustainability. With a focus on the well-being of the community, Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VROCC) needs to find a way to remain relevant in the short term while building out a sustainable organizational structure to succeed in the long term.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy
Supplementary Materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Details
Keywords
Subject
Country
Case length
Case provider
- The CASE Journal
- The Case for Women
- Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- Darden Business Publishing Cases
- Emerging Markets Case Studies
- Management School, Fudan University
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
- Kellogg School of Management
- The Case Writing Centre, University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business